The US rockers agreed to perform in the city's Finsbury Park as a thank you gesture for supporters after their 1992 single 'Killing in the Name' made it to the UK Christmas number one in December and were delighted to present a cheque to homeless charity Shelter with the proceeds from the track.

Introducing Jon and Tracey Morter - who launched an internet campaign to get the single to number one at the expense of 'The X Factor' winner Joe McElderry's track 'The Climb' - to the stage, singer Zach de la Rocha presented them with the cheque.

He said: "It's my distinct pleasure to bring out a couple of people who had a good idea. They were the David to the 'X Factor' Goliath."

Further poking fun at the UK TV talent show, the band had earlier came on stage after being introduced by an animated spoof clip of the show's head judge Simon Cowell, who dubbed them "the world's greatest rock and roll band ever."

The band played a hit-laden set, which included 'Know Your Enemy', 'Township Rebellion' and 'Bullet In The Head', as well as a cover of The Clash's 'White Riot'.

The gig also featured performances from support acts Gogol Bordello, Roots Manuva and Gallows.